Overview

The study of the effects of exercise and recovery from injury has given practitioners a greater understanding of how a health care practitioner can help the human body to perform and recover. Our sport and exercise rehabilitation graduates are in high demand, able to support people to reach their peak potential.

We focus on increasing your critical awareness of the current trends in sport and exercise rehabilitation, and build your confidence to apply these pioneering advancements to the workplace. Sport rehabilitation research is consistently focused on improving athletic performance and reducing injury risk. You will study at the heart of this research, building the knowledge and skills to implement rehabilitation programmes, to return athletes to optimum fitness.

You will complete 400 hours of placement within the course in a variety of settings including charity events such as the London Marathon, elite sports clubs and academy’s and Physiotherapy clinics.

This course is accredited by BASRAT who have recently been successful in their application to join the Voluntary Health Care Professions council Register, who have created an accredited voluntary register for graduates. This move will enhance your credibility in the sport rehabilitation field and will further improve your graduate employment opportunities.

The course is also accredited by the Sports Massage Association which means you will have the opportunity to be qualified up to a level 4 standard Sports Massage Therapist within the course.

Course highlights

We nurture determined, professional graduate sports rehabilitators, primed with the technical skills, and scientific knowledge, to work across the spectrum of rehabilitation and fitness professions

Department

What our students say

Middlesex has an amazing programme of support for athletes and sports students. It's fantastic at understanding both my academic and athletic commitments.

Sophie Sandy, BSc Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation BSc student

Did you know

100%

of our Sport and Exercise Science graduates are now in professional careers (Unistats).

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation?

This specialist degree emphasises injury prevention, primary health care and lifestyle management. Through this, you will learn how to provide immediate care following acute injury or illness and to recognise potential causes of injury for all sportspeople, at all levels of fitness. You will learn how to devise and implement strategies to reduce injury risk and to evaluate an individual's health to determine the appropriate evidence-based therapeutic and exercise interventions for recovery of function, return to physical activity or high performance. Practical studies and lectures are taught on campus and at nearby Allianz Park where you will spend a significant amount of study time, in addition to 400 hours of clinical practice.

What will you gain?

You will graduate armed with the knowledge and understanding of risk management and programmes to prevent injuries and illnesses as well as the nutritional requirements of the physically active and/or professional sportsperson. You will understand the social, psychological and physical behaviours of the physically active or professional sportsperson and will have gained laboratory and clinical skills necessary for assessing and treating injuries and illnesses of the physically active. You will know principles of safe and effective training for a variety of clients including elite athletes and special populations taking into national and professional bodies guidelines and the client's social and cultural background. You will also have knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with reference to exercise, health, development and ageing.

Modules

Year 1

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Human Movement (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with fundamental knowledge of clinical and functional anatomy. Exploration of the microscopic and macroscopic structure of nerves, muscles, joints, bone and provides a fundamental platform upon which to build understanding of applied biomechanics and human movement.

Fundamentals of Health and Fitness (30 credits) - Compulsory

The sport rehabilitator or sport trainer will need to be aware of the benefits and adverse consequences of physical activity. They will also need to be aware of the role of physical activity in the development and maintenance of health, fitness and in optimising sports performance. The future professional role of a trainer may involve caring for a range of individuals, from the elite athlete through to special populations using exercise as a clinical intervention. The module aims to provide an introduction to core concepts developed later in the program, stimulate an interest in current issues in athletic health care and encourage the development of appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress.

Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits) - Compulsory

The aim of this module is to highlight and introduce the fundamental key scientific concepts and principles, across the three main sports science disciplines of physiology, psychology, and biomechanics.

Professional Skills Development and Clinical Experience (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module develops the core skills for undergraduate rehabilitators in professional practice. Skills developed are teamwork, numeracy skills, the use of information technology, knowledge of governing bodies BASRaT, BASES, SoST, HPC, UKSCA and the instigation of a personal development portfolio. Knowledge will be gained in the classification and mechanism of musculo-skeletal injury. You will develop competency in medical note taking, client assessment posture, Palpation/ROM/MMT and massage techniques.

Year 2

Applied Physiology and Biomechanics (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will enable you to understand the physiological basis of human movement from the cortex to skeletal muscle, the mechanical basis of human movement from Newton’s law to the kinematics and kinetics of sport, exercise, and rehabilitation. You will understand the chronic physiological adaptations to sport, exercise and rehabilitation and explore the principles of measurement in muscle, vascular and cardiopulmonary physiology. Finally, you will focus on the principles of measurement in the kinetics and kinematics of human movement.

This module introduces the health and social care related subjects to the process of health and social care research. It is a professional requirement for those working in health and social care related disciplines to underpin their knowledge with research and evidence-based practice. You will need to be able to access research findings, and through an understanding of the research process and methodology, be able to critique research and apply this knowledge to practice. The aim of this module is to develop your awareness the research process and to equip you with the skills required in the subject area appropriate to your target award and to offer some preparation for the final year project/dissertation.

Corrective Exercise and Assessment (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module expands the depth of orthopaedic assessment of athletic injuries and their treatment through rehabilitative exercise. You will develop skill and knowledge in the recognition and evaluation of the individual and be able to plan and deliver reasoned exercise based rehabilitation sessions

Sports Injuries and Therapeutic Modalities (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims expands on previous modules and introduces the aetiology, patho-physiology of injury and the phases of healing. You will develop an awareness the of models of pain and management. The science and application of massage therapy, electrotherapy, taping, strapping, cryo and thermotherapy will also be explored.

Year 3

Advanced Clinical Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module focuses on your ability to develop critical thinking and evidence based practice in the treatment of musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation. Emphasis is on the linking of skills and knowledge from all modules and its application to practice. Advanced topics pertaining to integrated client assessment and treatment will be developed.

Advanced Rehabilitation and Conditioning (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to develop your skill in the delivery of soft tissue techniques and the critical appraisal of their utilisation in the treatment of injury and dysfunction. You will be assisted in developing a critical evidence based approach to treatment and programming.

Professional Practice Development (30 credits) - Compulsory

The aim of this module is to allow you to develop your clinical skills in the workplace by providing suitable work experiences. The focus of the module is on experiential and reflective learning development. This clinical development will build on earlier study, and relate these directly to musculoskeletal injury.

Research Project (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to synthesise learning from this programme providing an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. You will select a topic of personal interest you wish to study further and will manage your own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Teaching

How is the BSc Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation taught?

You will attend a mixture of lectures, seminars, laboratory classes and a large amount of practical clinical sessions where you will take part in discussions and group work. You will have the opportunity to put your skills into practice in a variety of practical clinical settings including hydrotherapy, pitch side first aid and through working in our LSI Sports Injury Clinic. You will be expected to supplement taught time with your own reading as this is extremely important in developing the level of knowledge needed.

Work placements

Work placements will form a major part of your studies and they enable you to develop invaluable professional experience, which informs academic study, whilst preparing you for the job market. There are placements at the end of the first and second year and throughout the third year. You will need to complete a minimum of 400 placements hours over the 3 years of study in a health and fitness centre, sports injury clinic and sports club. Students can go on placements overseas during the summer period of the second year.

Work experience in the form of placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and students who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a variety of means, including exams, project work and your portfolio, and reports from your supervisor. You will submit laboratory reports, logbooks, case study analyses and other written assignments, and give presentations. As well as getting feedback on your work from other students, you will be asked to evaluate your own work.

Teaching

Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and practicals in smaller seminar groups. In addition, you can arrange one to one sessions with your personal tutor or module leader. You will also have access to and use resources to support your learning.

Independent Learning

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below).

Overall Workload

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course:

Level 4

36% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 432 hours

Independent Learning: 718 hours

Placement/Work Based Learning Activity: 50 hours

Level 5

41% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 488 hours

Independent Learning: 712 hours

Level 6

27% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 326 hours

Independent Learning: 624 hours

Placement/Work Based Learning Activity: 250 hours

Academic Support

You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas;

Employability, with workshops and tutorials on CV writing, interview and presentation skills.

Library Support, including sessions on finding, and choosing the right resources and software and tutorials on referencing and plagiarism.

Progression and Support Advisors to assist you with if you experience difficulties with your studies.

Well-being Services.

These services can be accessed through the UniHelp Desk in the Library building.

Assessment

The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.

There is formal ‘summative’ assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

Percentage of course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below:

Level 4

46% coursework

21% written exams

33% practical exams

Level 5

50% coursework

10% written exams

40% practical exams

Level 6

61% coursework

13% written exams

26% practical exams

Feedback

You will receive feedback on the formative assessment, and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.

We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.

Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.

Life at Middlesex

Entry requirements

Qualifications

One A level, or equivalent level qualification in depth and size, in a science subject.

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

Further requirements

To begin this course you must also complete a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and provide suitable references.

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Qualifications

One A level, or equivalent level qualification in depth and size, in a science subject.

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office for support.

Further requirements

To begin this course you must also complete a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and provide suitable references.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our visas and immigration page for further information.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications. If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

Careers

How can the BSc Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation support your career?

With the ever-increasing focus for the sporting world to achieve the best results possible, sport rehabilitators are in demand. Graduates will be qualified to pursue a career as a graduate sports rehabilitator under BASRaT, or progress into postgraduate study, particularly into the sports medicine, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and teaching/lecturing field. You will also be excellently placed to progress into postgraduate study, particularly into sports rehabilitation or physiotherapy courses.

Professional accreditation

Our undergraduate courses have been approved by SkillsActive as meeting the required industry standard which will give the following REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals) recognised qualification/category of registration:

Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym)

Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training

We are one of 11 British Association of Sports Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT) accredited centres offering this degree. Once recognised this field of clinical practice and academic enquiry will be regulated and protected, thereby increasing the status of sports rehabilitators and providing better pathways into different sport and physical activity employment routes.

What support is available?

Our Employability Service can help you to develop your employability skills and get some valuable work experience. We provide workshops, events and one to one support with job hunting, CVs, covering letters, interviews, networking and so on. We also support you in securing part-time work, placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business.

Campus life

Staff profiles

Sarah graduated from Middlesex University with a BSc in Sport Rehabilitation before going onto study her MSc. Since graduating Sarah worked as part of the Medical team at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and is just finishing her 7th season as a Sport Rehabilitator as Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC. She has a keen interest in knee injuries in Women’s Sport.

Ebony graduated with an MSc in Sport Rehabilitation from Middlesex University, she is currently working alongside Saracens Women as a Sport Rehabilitator she is a member of the Sports Massage Association and is currently working with Saracens Women’s Rugby team as a Sport Rehabilitator.

Student profiles

Robert Lee

Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation BSc graduate

Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation is a new, exciting and budding profession that I wanted to become a part of. I chose Middlesex due to the reputation of the course, which is heavily weighted as a practically applied course, and the expertise of the lecturers teaching.

I believe that my course at Middlesex has stood me in good stead for the realistic demands of Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation and I have now decided to further my education by staying at Middlesex and applying for the MSc Strength and Conditioning. I would definitely recommend Middlesex to any prospective students, especially for Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation. The University has just invested in a brand new state of the art facility with a rehabilitation suite which new students can take full advantage of.

Sophie Sandy

Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation BSc student

Middlesex University was the only university that offered me a scholarship for competing as an international judo player. It has an amazing set up of support for athletes and sports students and has been fantastic at understanding both my academic and athletic commitments.

The course allows you to take on a multitude of roles such as a team leader in group projects and also as an independent individual as a researcher, a presenter (to the rest of the class to pitch your ideas and findings) and as a confident practitioner both in a clinical setting and with sports teams at pitch side.

Glenn Cranham

Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation BSc graduate

Glenn now works as a Senior Sports Rehabilitator at Active Choice.

I couldn't do my current job without my degree, so for me the decision to go to university is one of the best decisions I have made. My degree has enabled me to work clinically which is something I couldn't have done before as a personal trainer. I run my own clinic now and get a huge amount of job satisfaction. The course gave me a good grounding in the skills required to run a private practice.

One piece of advice I would definitely give to anybody thinking of applying is make sure you go to the Open Day and talk to your prospective tutors. It's really important to find out whether you think you will get along as the relationships you develop with your tutors are important.